Disorders/Diseases News
SAN FRANCISCO, CA -- December 1, 2000 -- Researchers at the University of Washington, in Seattle, found short-term exposure to pepper spray did not harm the eyes. Results from the study appear in the December issue of Ophthalmology, the clinical journal of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
By Cameron Johnston
Special to DG News
DALLAS, TX -- October 23, 2000 -- In the three or four years since Viagra (sildenafil) has come to the markets, many reports have concentrated on its adverse reactions -- particularly cardiovascular, and ocular events.
FT. LAUDERDALE, FL -- May 8, 2000 -- Santen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. and Santen Inc. announced the results of new data on Alamast(TM) (pemirolast potassium ophthalmic solution) 0.1 percent. The studies, which included approximately 400 patients and were presented at the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO), were designed to assess the safety and efficacy of Alamast in preventing ocular signs and symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis.
These randomized, double-masked, parallel group studies demonstrated that Alamast was statistically significant versus placebo in preventing ocular itching in allergic conjunctivitis. "What was so unique about these studies," comments Dr. Adrienne Graves, Vice President of Worldwide Clinical Development, "was that patients were studied in a real-world environment (ragweed season) for up to 17 weeks." Dr. Graves went on to say that the results are clinically meaningful because, "they demonstrate that Alamast works all season long."
Alamast is a mast cell stabilizer that works by inhibiting the in vivo Type I immediate hypersensitivity reaction. It also inhibits the antigen- induced release of inflammatory mediators such as histamines and leukotrienes C4, D4, and E4 from human mast cells. Alamast also exhibits a third action of inhibiting the chemotaxis of eosinophils.
After recording a total of over 27,000 patient-days of ocular itching data, Alamast patients experienced more days without any itching compared to placebo-treated patients. In one study, a difference in ocular redness was statistically significant favoring Alamast over the placebo-treated group.
Alamast was not significantly different than placebo for adverse events, visual acuity, biomicroscopy and ophthalmoscopy findings, or IOP. The most commonly reported ocular adverse events were foreign body sensation (2 percent), burning/stinging (1 percent), dry eye (1 percent), and ocular discomfort (1 percent). Patients who wear soft contact lenses and whose eyes are not red should be instructed to wait at least 10 minutes after instilling Alamast before insertion of contact lenses.
"Alamast represents an important therapeutic agent for ocular allergy, particularly for patients who have known recurring allergies or who need prolonged treatment," states Jerry Hansen, President and CEO of Santen Inc. "We expect these positive results to add to the body of knowledge we have already accumulated on Alamast, helping to propel prescriber adoption when we launch the product this summer."
A pharmaceutical company founded in Osaka, Japan in 1890, Santen specializes in treatments for eye and rheumatic diseases, offering both prescription and OTC products. Among prescription ophthalmic pharmaceuticals, Santen holds the top share within the Japanese market and is one of the leading ophthalmic companies worldwide. Santen has subsidiaries in the U.S., Europe and Asia. The company is actively pursuing technological and marketing alliances with a number of pharmaceutical companies and research institutes. Santen's U.S. subsidiary, Santen Incorporated, began operations in 1993. Located on 13 acres in close proximity to the Silicon Valley, universities and research facilities, Santen Inc. is staffed by professionals with extensive knowledge and expertise in the ophthalmic field.
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Last Updated on Saturday, December 02, 2000 04:16:00 PM